Tire support stand

ABSTRACT

The tire support stand is designed to support an array of tires in substantially upright positions for convenient display or processing. The stand includes a T-shaped base. A post extends upwardly and angularly from the base. Tire tread-engaging members are disposed on the base. A tire-engaging member is disposed at the upper end of the post. Brace support members are attached to the base and post to ensure stability. A handle is provided on the post to enhance portability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to supports. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a tire support stand for supporting an array of tires in substantially upright positions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Automotive retail stores, tire shops, service stations, garages and the like often have need to arrange an array of tires in substantially upright alignment, which is close to the position the tires would normally assume in use. When so aligned, the tires are positioned for convenient display or processing. The art would certainly welcome an uncomplicated device that is easily portable and that could efficiently support several tires in substantially upright alignment. Thus, a tire support stand solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The tire support stand is designed to support an array of tires in substantially upright positions. As noted above, tires supported in an upright or nearly upright position may be more easily displayed or tagged for processing. The tire support stand is preferably fabricated from tubular metal stock. It should be recognized, however, that other materials (e.g., plastic) could be utilized, if suitable. The stand comprises a T-shaped base having a post extending upwardly and angularly therefrom. A tire-engaging member is disposed at the upper end of the post. Brace support members are attached to the base and post to ensure stability. A handle is provided on the post to enhance portability.

Accordingly, the tire support stand presents a single stand that efficiently supports an array of tires in substantially upright positions. The stand is readily portable, stable, rugged, and is easy to use.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a tire support stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tire support stand according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1, wherein the tire support stand is generally indicated at 10. As noted above, stand 10 is utilized to support an array of tires T having tread widths W. The tires are supported in substantially erect positions for display or the like.

As best seen in FIG. 2, stand 10 comprises first and second members 12 and 14, e.g., flat, elongated plates, which are arranged in a manner to form a base of T-shaped configuration. A post 16 is attached at its lower end 16 a to the upper surface of the base closely adjacent end 12 a of member 12 near the junction of the T-shaped base shaft 12 and crossbar 14. Post 16 extends upwardly and angularly from the upper surface of the base to form an angle A of approximately 70° with member 12.

A tire-engaging member 18 defines the upper end of post 16. Tire engaging member 18 comprises a flat planar upper surface 18 a terminating at a distal end in a tire stop 20. Tire stop 20 is perpendicular to planar surface 18 a. The end of member 18 opposite stop 20 is configured to form a groove 22 for engaging the inner rim of a tire. Braces 24 are attached to the base and post 16 and are arranged to stabilize the post 16 on the base. A handle 26 is attached to post 16 to enhance portability of the tire support stand 10. Tread engaging members 28, e.g., ridges, are spaced apart on the upper surface of member 12 at the end of member 12 opposite to end 12 a. Members 28 are spaced approximately one and one-half inches apart for reasons explained below.

In use, tire stand 10 is positioned in an area where tires T are to be displayed. A single tire T is positioned on the stand 10 so that an inner rim of the tire T is disposed in groove 22 of member 18. The tread portion of the tire T is positioned between members 28 to secure the bottom of the tire T on the base. A spacing of one and one-half inches has been found suitable to accommodate most tread widths W. Stop 20 will prevent the tire T from slipping off the stand 10 in the event of inadvertent disengagement from groove 22. After a single tire T has been mounted on the stand 10, successive tires T to be displayed are simply leaned against the first tire T.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A tire support stand, comprising: a base; a post mounted on the base and extending upwardly at an angle therefrom, the post terminating in an upper end; and a tire-engaging member mounted on the upper end of the post adapted for engaging a bead of the tire.
 2. The tire support stand according to claim 1, wherein said base is of T-shaped configuration.
 3. The tire support stand according to claim 1, further including tire-tread engaging members disposed on said base.
 4. The tire support stand according to claim 1, further including a handle attached to said post.
 5. The tire support stand according to claim 1, wherein said angle is approximately 70°.
 6. The tire support stand according to claim 1, wherein said tire-engaging member defines a tire-engaging groove formed therein for engaging the bead of the tire.
 7. A tire support stand, comprising: a first member having a first end and a second end; a second member disposed perpendicular to the first member adjacent the first end, the first member and the second member forming a T-shaped base, the T-shaped base having an upper surface; a post mounted on the upper surface of the T-shaped base, the post extending upwardly and at an angle, the post terminating in an upper end; and a tire-engaging member mounted on the upper end of the post.
 8. The tire support stand according to claim 7, further including a plurality of brace members extending from the upper surface of said base, the brace members being attached to said post for stabilizing said post on said base.
 9. The tire support stand according to claim 7, further including tire tread-engaging members disposed on said first member adjacent the second end of said first member.
 10. The tire support stand according to claim 7, further including a handle attached to said post.
 11. The tire support stand according to claim 7, wherein said angle is approximately 70°.
 12. The tire support stand according to claim 7, wherein said tire-engaging member defines a tire-engaging groove.
 13. A tire support stand, comprising: a first member, having a first end and a second end; a second member disposed perpendicular to the first member adjacent the first end, the first member and the second member forming a T-shaped base, the T-shaped base having an upper surface; a post mounted on the upper surface of the base, the post extending upwardly at an angle of approximately 70° therefrom, the post terminating in an upper end; and a tire-engaging member mounted on the upper end of the post, the tire-engaging member having a planar upper surface, a first end and a second end; a tire-engaging groove formed in the first end of the tire-engaging member; and a stop member disposed at the second end of the tire-engaging member, the stop member being perpendicular to the planar upper surface of the tire-engaging member.
 14. The tire support stand according to claim 13, further including a plurality of brace members extending form the upper surface of said base, the brace members being attached to said post for stabilizing said post on said base.
 15. The tire support stand according to claim 13, further including spaced tire tread-engaging members disposed on said first member adjacent the second end of said first member.
 16. The tire support stand according to claim 13, further including a handle attached to said post. 